You can find a little bit of everything in Adelaide

When many people think of Adelaide, they think of wine. This is understandable, because the nearby Barossa Valley is one of Australia's oldest and greatest wine regions. However, those who live in Adelaide or have visited there think of SA's capital city as one of the top cultural centers in Australia and a great jumping off point for exploring all the wonders of South Australia.

When you arrive in Adelaide, the first place you are likely to go is Rundle Street. If you want to feel the hearbeat of Adelaide, then head for Rundle Street and immerse yourself there for awhile. Settle down in a curbside café and relax with a gourmet lunch and a glass of local wine. Relax and watch the world go by for a little while before you set out on your exploration of the city.

Before you leave Rundle Street, check out what's going to be happening there in the evening. Rundle Street comes alive after dark, when the locals and tourists alike head for the clubs, pubs and entertainment venues that line the street. Catch a live band in an intimate atmosphere; go see an art house film; enjoy a sumptuous meal or do all three, all in the course of a single evening on Rundle Street.

A great way to get to know all about Adelaide is to spend some time in North Terrace. Wander around for awhile just taking in the sights. It's a beautiful area peppered with classic examples of period architecture, statues and lovely gardens. Try not to get too distracted on your first visit. The street is only one mile (1.6 kilometers) long, so your stroll won't take too long.

If you're like most people, something will catch your eye as you stroll along North Terrace and you won't be able to resist taking a look inside. It might be Parliament House at the north end of the street or it might be the splendid Anglican Holy Trinity Church, built in 1838, not long after the first European settlers arrived in Adelaide.

If you wander into the South Australian Museum, don't expect to come out any time soon. There is so much to see and learn there, you will want to give yourself plenty of time. This museum is well known for its fine art collections, ranging from exquisite aboriginal art to cutting edge contemporary art. It is also the perfect place to go if you want to learn about South Australia's fascinating history.

You've come all the way to Adelaide, so be sure to get the most you can out of it. Kangaroo Island, less than two hours by road from Adelaide, should be on your "must see" list. Getting there is half the fun as you pass through the beautiful Southern Vales wine district. Then you take the Kangaroo Island Sealink out to Australia's fourth largest island. Almost the entire island has been preserved in its natural state and wildlife abounds, including some species that cannot be seen on the mainland.

You will have your pick of places to stay, so make sure you choose an Adelaide accommodation you like. Once you get to the city, you won't want to leave until you've seen as much as you can. There's a lot to be seen, so give yourself plenty of time!

Take a few days off, find Adelaide accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.